The Fine Foundation
Accepts applications
The Fine Foundation is a private foundation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In tax year 2025 it gave $2.9 million in 100 grants; the typical grant was $7,500 and the largest $737,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$2.9 million
- Number of grants100
- Typical grant$7,500
- Largest grant$737,000
- Assets$176,267
- New grantees85%
Giving in 2025 was up from $210,500 the year before.
85% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.7 million | 58 | $291,241 |
| 2024 | $210,500 | 17 | $159,453 |
| 2025 | $2.9 million | 100 | $176,267 |
How to apply
| Contact | Michael Smith One PPG Place Suite 1670, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (412) 444-3521, info@thefinefoundation.org |
| What to submit | Online application and satisfaction of grant proposal requirements |
| Deadlines | Nine weeks prior to the board meetings held in the spring and fall |
| Restrictions | The foundation supports arts and culture, jewish life, pittsburgh philanthropies, science & medicine, and other worthy charities as determined by the board of directors. |
What The Fine Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Pennsylvania.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 60 | $2.9 million |
| Florida | 36 | $46,300 |
| Massachusetts | 3 | $5,000 |
| California | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh | Carnegie international | $737,000 |
| Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh | Carnegie international | $703,500 |
| Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh | Warhol curator of art | $264,000 |
| Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh | Warhol curator of art | $252,000 |
| Tree of Life | Campaign/capital support | $100,000 |
| Tree of Life | Remember.rebuild.renew | $100,000 |
| Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh | Cmoa raymond saunders exhibition | $50,000 |
| Pittsburgh Cultural Trust | Visual art national marketing plan | $45,000 |
| Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh | Community projects | $40,000 |
| Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh | Annual support | $40,000 |
| Contemporary Craft | Workshop expansion | $20,000 |
| Eradicate Hate Global Summit | Global summit and workshops | $20,000 |
| Family House | Regional contemporary art project | $20,000 |
| Jewish Family and Community Services | Upstreet & immigrant/refuge services for youth | $20,000 |
| Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh | Teen social justice journey to los angeles | $20,000 |
| Pittsburgh Cultural Trust | Exhibitions at space, 820, and wood street | $20,000 |
| Pittsburgh Glass Center | "gathering glass": kathleen mulcahy exhibition | $20,000 |
| Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh | Sharif bey: homecoming | $15,000 |
| Children's Museum of Pittsburgh | F.i.n.e. Residency | $15,000 |
| Classrooms Without Borders | Poland personally tour | $15,000 |
| Community Day School | "do jewish" community programming | $15,000 |
| Pittsburgh Center for Arts and Media | Program support | $15,000 |
| Tree of Life | Light education initiative | $15,000 |
| Industrial Arts Workshop | Weld scholars program | $12,500 |
| Anne Frank Center USA | Anne frank: the art of self discovery | $10,000 |
| Associated Artists of Pittsburgh | Exhibitions support | $10,000 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Institute of contemporary art symposium | $10,000 |
| Frick Art & Historical Center | French moderns exhibition | $10,000 |
| Friends of the Lyric Inc | Friends of the lyric, inc. | $10,000 |
| Friends of the Lyric Inc | Friends of the lyric, inc. | $10,000 |
| Hebrew Free Loan Association | Women & minorities guarantee fund | $10,000 |
| Jewish Association on Aging | Community-based services | $10,000 |
| Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh | Center for loving kindness | $10,000 |
| Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh | Center for loving kindness | $10,000 |
| Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh | 10.27 healing partnership commemoration | $10,000 |
| Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh | Partnership development | $10,000 |
| Mattress Factory | Exhibition & residency support | $10,000 |
| Pittsburgh Center for Arts & Media | The time of trees documentary film | $10,000 |
| Radiant Hall | Subsidized studio program | $10,000 |
| Riverlife | Mobile programming barge | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Carolyn Fine Friedman
- Caryn Rubinoff
- Susan Brownlee
- Michael Smith
- Judith O'Toole
- Sibyl Fine King
- David Fine
- Susan Friedberg Kalson
- Richard Armstrong
- Keith Kanel
- Sheila Reicher Fine
- Judy Roscow
Questions people ask
Does The Fine Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: Nine weeks prior to the board meetings held in the spring and fall.
How much does The Fine Foundation give?
$2.9 million in tax year 2025, across 100 grants, with a typical grant of $7,500.
Who runs The Fine Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Carolyn Fine Friedman (Vice Chair), Caryn Rubinoff (Director), Susan Brownlee (Secretary) and Michael Smith (Executive Director) among 12 officers and trustees.
What does The Fine Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, international and faith communities.